Key Position Matchups To Decide AFL Grand Final
Barry vs Lynch
Leo Barry may have saved the game last season with one play but he will have a big challenge all game this time. Lynch is big, strong and much improved. If Lynch gets 4 goals it may be enough for the Eagles to win. But there is also something Barry will look to exploit, he will use his speed to run off Lynch and this could spark the Swans.
Hall vs Glass
Every game the Eagles play Hall one-on-one and it seems they lose. If they don't change that strategy then Glass will decide the outcome of the game. If Hall is kept under control then the Swans will struggle to kick a winning score. Hall may also move up the ground, where Glass is not as effective, and play some centre half forward at times.
O'Loughlin vs Hunter
O'Loughlin is still angry about his 2005 performance, especially his kicking for goal, so expect him to be ready to play this time. Hunter will probably start on him, with Embley as another option. If O'Loughlin gets a goal early it could be the start of a big game for him.
Roberts-Thomson vs Hansen
As has been pointed out by a lot of people, Hansen has played 13 games this season and the Eagles have won all of them. That is an impressive streak, but the Swans have some winning streaks of their own too. Hansen is going to be important as he will be responsible for sending the Eagles inside 50, if he does it quickly then it could be Lynch and Barry contesting but if he waits then the Swans will flood back. Hansen has averaged 11 marks in his two finals games this season and if he reaches double-figures again it could be a game-winning effort.
Leo Barry may have saved the game last season with one play but he will have a big challenge all game this time. Lynch is big, strong and much improved. If Lynch gets 4 goals it may be enough for the Eagles to win. But there is also something Barry will look to exploit, he will use his speed to run off Lynch and this could spark the Swans.
Hall vs Glass
Every game the Eagles play Hall one-on-one and it seems they lose. If they don't change that strategy then Glass will decide the outcome of the game. If Hall is kept under control then the Swans will struggle to kick a winning score. Hall may also move up the ground, where Glass is not as effective, and play some centre half forward at times.
O'Loughlin vs Hunter
O'Loughlin is still angry about his 2005 performance, especially his kicking for goal, so expect him to be ready to play this time. Hunter will probably start on him, with Embley as another option. If O'Loughlin gets a goal early it could be the start of a big game for him.
Roberts-Thomson vs Hansen
As has been pointed out by a lot of people, Hansen has played 13 games this season and the Eagles have won all of them. That is an impressive streak, but the Swans have some winning streaks of their own too. Hansen is going to be important as he will be responsible for sending the Eagles inside 50, if he does it quickly then it could be Lynch and Barry contesting but if he waits then the Swans will flood back. Hansen has averaged 11 marks in his two finals games this season and if he reaches double-figures again it could be a game-winning effort.
